Modernist Society celebrates modern dance

Manchester Modernist Society and the Littoral Arts Trust have arranged an evening of celebration to mark the city’s role in the development of the modern dance movement and its spiritual founder Rudolph Laban, who settled in Manchester after fleeing Nazi persecution in 1938.

Laban and his business partner, Lisa Ullmann, established The Art of Movement Studio in Manchester in 1946 on Whitworth Street.

Changing its name to The Laban Centre for Movement in 1975, the centre’s work is now carried on through Trinity Laban based in South London.

The free events organised by MMS include a stroll around key locations of Laban’s time in Manchester, from the Cornerhouse and a public lecture covering his life and work, at the Royal Northern College of Music. Both events take place on March 21 and will be led by Professor Valerie Preston-Dunlop, who has written a number of books on Laban.

Maureen Ward from Manchester Modernist Society said: “Both Laban’s role and Manchester’s influence upon him have largely been lost from public view in recent years. His influence is enormous and he should really be a household name.

“We celebrate and champion all elements of modernism and we are proud to be helping provide the events and celebrate Manchester’s role.”

The event is part of ’Merzman, Kurt Schwitters in the North West’ organised by the Littoral Trust.

Admission to the lecture is free, but people are recommended to book in advance with LITTORAL Arts Trust on 01706 827961 or littoral@btopenword.com.